In the spotlight: Anwar sharing a light moment with dancers after officiating the opening ceremony of the 58th Asean Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: World leaders have expressed interest to participate in the Asean summits to be hosted by Malaysia in October, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said this was relayed by his counterparts during his week-long tour that covered Italy, France and Brazil last week.
“(Foreign Minister) Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan complained, because everywhere we go, leaders say they want to at least participate in Asean if they can’t join.
“We are very likely to have South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joining, representing their regions,” Anwar said in his opening remarks at the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers (AMM) meeting yesterday.
The Prime Minister had touched down at 3am from his three-nation working visit and just hours later, he addressed foreign ministers of the regional grouping and its dialogue partners.
On his tour, Anwar said he had received enquiries about Asean from many of his counterparts.
“Without exception, all of them asked about Asean. They recognise the role of Asean.
“Asean has now achieved a spectacular position internationally and I must thank you all, particularly the foreign ministers,” he said.
He also spoke about the Cambodian-Thailand border dispute, describing the incident as “unfortunate”.
“Most Asean leaders are concerned about the matter and we have no inhibition to call our colleagues in both countries to express support on all endeavours to secure lasting peace,” Anwar added.
Reaffirming Asean’s longstanding commitment to expansion, the Prime Minister hoped that Timor-Leste would be formally welcomed into the bloc this October, which he described as a milestone agreed upon by all member states.
“Malaysia has long supported this aspiration and we are heartened by the progress made.
“I urge all member states to continue supporting Timor-Leste’s path to full integration, not only into our institutions, but into our shared vision for the region’s future,” he said.
It was recently reported that Myanmar, in a letter to Asean, rejected to Timor-Leste’s ascension to the regional grouping.
Timor-Leste however dismissed Myanmar’s objection, saying it is inconsequential and irrelevant as the formal decision for Timor-Leste to join Asean has already been made.
The 58th AMM will take place until tomorrow.
